Combating box elder bug

What is the black bug with red stripes that has invaded the outside wall of my home? This is a question we get frequently in the fall. This bug is the Box Elder bug.

During fall and warm days in the winter, herds swarm on walls (inside and outside), sidewalks, furniture, trees, etc.

In the spring, the female box elder bug lays eggs on box elders, maples, ash and fruit trees. The eggs hatch in about 2 weeks and the young feed on tender twigs, foliage and seeds throughout spring and summer. The box elder bug causes no damage to these plants. In fall, box elder bugs fly in swarms to warm and dry sites. Bugs will enter in buildings and dry sheltered places. They produce one to two breeds per year. Nuisance The box elder bug is a nuisance in the home. These bugs will not bite humans or pets. They do not feed on fabrics or furniture, but their excrement may stain household items. If crushed, they will emit a sickening odor. Control 1. Vacuum bugs. Remove and trash the bag. 2. Keep doors and windows screened. Seal cracks. 3. Indoors: Spray with pyrenthrins 4. Outdoors: Treat soil with bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, or pyrethrins sprayed in 5-6 ft band around the foundation.

5. Spray outside wall 2-3 ft up. You will need to test the wall in an inconspicuous place for staining.

For more information about box elder bugs, contact the Polk County Extension office at uge2233@ uga.edu or 770-749-2142.